This Gigapan highlights the Culpepper Ranch restoration project. Culpepper Ranch is a 1,200-acre parcel north of the town of Jupiter in Martin County, Florida. This project is designed to restore sheet flow and hydrology by removing berms, ditches and culverts. This ditch/ berm complex was built in the 1950’s and 1960’s to rapidly drain water from the property which would allow the ranching of cattle. Historically, the property was the location of the head waters of Cypress Creek which is a major tributary to the Loxahatchee River, which is a US National Wild and Scenic River. Unfortunately, due to the lack of fresh water during drought conditions, salt water intrusion is causing the loss of the Loxahatchee’s trademark cypress swamps. By removing these ditches, raising the elevation, and putting controls on the culverts water can flow more naturally through the wetlands located on the Ranch property. During the rainy season water will be held on the property and, then, during the dry season this water can be released through Cypress Creek and into the Loxahatchee River where it will prevent salt water intrusion.

These images were taken after the project was completed but before the rainy season. The photos highlight cypress swamps and marshlands that were impacted by this previous drainage. Parts of the images show where the ditches and berms were leveled to promote sheet flow. Drainage caused by these ditches and berms permitted exotic trees such as Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) to completely take over the understory of the cypress swamp. As a part of this project, Martin County and the South Florida Water Management District removed the exotics. Future Gigapans of these sites will allow for time series analysis of how the vegetation communities shift due to these hydrologic changes. It is anticipated that water will be over a foot deep during the rainy season.

Gigapan Comments
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This photo follows the western property line and
shows an area where ditches and berms were removed
to promote sheet flow. Once the rainy season
starts there will be a foot of water moving
through this area.